The Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed another infantry battalion to secure Davao City from the New People’s Army and terrorists.
Army 10th Infantry Division head Major Gen. Rafael Valencia said the 16th Infantry Battalion was pulled out of Sulu to help the 3rd Infantry Battalion in securing Davao City.
These military units will be under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, Valencia added.
A typical Philippine battalion consists of around 300 to 500 officers and enlisted personnel.
Valencia said the 16th Infantry Battalion arrived in Davao City last week and now undergoing acclimatization and familiarization rounds aside from cultural sensitivity training.
“We also invited tribal leaders (from the various Indigenous People groups) so they can be familiar with their customs and traditions,” he added.
Valencia said there is a need for another battalion to secure Davao City due to its huge size and large population.
He said Davao City is constantly expanding with new subdivisions and industrial plants which need more units for security.
“We need to address the (security) gaps by bringing in an additional unit,” the 10th Infantry Division chief said.
(Francis T. Wakefield and PNA)